The Best Foods to Break Your Intermittent Fast For Weight Loss [+3 FREE Recipes!!] (2024)

FAQs

The Best Foods to Break Your Intermittent Fast For Weight Loss [+3 FREE Recipes!!]? ›

Protein rich foods include eggs, cheese, greek yogurt, meat, fish, chicken, tempeh and lentils. Fat rich foods include avocado, dairy products, nuts, seeds, high quality oils and olives. Fiber rich foods include chia seeds, flax seeds, raspberries, artichoke, cacao nibs and other green veggies.

Eggs. No matter whether you enjoy them scrambled, boiled, or even cooked in an omelet, eggs can be a fantastic food to choose when breaking a fast. They are packed with high-quality protein, are relatively easy to tolerate, and are a nutritional powerhouse.

Foods rich in protein and fiber will fill you up, which is especially important on fasting days when you won't be eating as much. Some examples of protein and fiber rich foods include: chicken and lean meat, broccoli, milk, black beans, almonds, peanut butter, bananas and pasta. Don't over-indulge on non-fasting days.

A 2023 review of research found that the 16/8 method and 16/8 combined with restricting calories were effective strategies for weight control in adults with overweight or obesity. An eating window starting before noon led to greater weight loss than one that began after noon.

A person needs to decide on and adhere to a 12-hour fasting window every day. According to some researchers, fasting for 10–16 hours can cause the body to turn its fat stores into energy, which releases ketones into the bloodstream. This should encourage weight loss.

If you are following time-restricted eating or alternate-day fasting, consuming a hard-boiled egg during the fasting window would break the fast because it contains calories. Therefore, it would not be permissible to consume a hard-boiled egg during the fasting window in these cases.

Are boiled eggs good to break a fast? ›

Eggs. Eggs have protein and other nutrients you need after you break a fast. They're also easy to digest. And that's the key when selecting a post-fast meal—don't over-tax your digestive system.

After the Fast

It's important to eat slowly, especially after longer fasts. I like to break fast with a hot cup of tea with a teaspoon of sugar. I'll then move onto something low in fiber, which is easier on the stomach, like a half bagel with tuna fish or a hard-boiled egg.

Soups that contain protein and easily digestible carbs, such as lentils, tofu, or pasta, can gently break a fast. Avoid soups made with heavy cream or a large amount of high-fiber, raw vegetables. Vegetables. Cooked, soft, starchy vegetables like potatoes can be good food options when breaking a fast.

The beauty of oats is that they're a great source of fibre and a small amount of protein. Like veggies, cooked oats may be easier to digest, if you have a sensitive stomach, after a fast. Steer clear of instant or quick oats, they contain a lot less fibre due to their processing.

Some of the best foods to consume when breaking a fast include diluted apple cider vinegar, bone broth, spinach, kale, eggs, fish, nuts, chia seeds, dried fruits, cooked broccoli, cooked cauliflower, watermelon, bananas, and fermented foods such as unsweetened yogurt.

While breaking the fast, it is important to remember that you have not eaten anything from past 12 to 16 hours, so the first meal should be light and small. If you eat a large meal, your body will get confused and will find it difficult to digest it. You will start feeling bloaty and lethargic.

A 2023 review of research found that the 16/8 method and 16/8 combined with restricting calories were effective strategies for weight control in adults with overweight or obesity. An eating window starting before noon led to greater weight loss than one that began after noon.

Cheese can give you with protein and fat during an intermittent fast, which will make you feel satisfied. But because cheese is high in calories, moderation is essential. Opt for healthier options such as portion-controlled or low-fat kinds.

Do protein shakes break your fast? Yes, consuming a protein shake will break a fast. Save any high-protein foods — like other foods and calorie-containing drinks — for your eating window. But during that eating window, consume your protein shakes however you typically would.